Multi-phase switch arrangement mounted on a single pole



Oct. 5, 1965 L. G. PLGRIM ETAL MULTI-PHASE SWITCH ARRANGEMENT MOUNTED ON A SINGLE POLE Filed Jan. 24, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS 06t- 5, 1965 L. G. PlLGRlM ETAL 3,210,489'

MULTI-PHASE SWITCH ARRANGEMENT MOUNTED ON A SINGLE POLE Filed Jan. 24, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 .rcs- Eb .VV l

Oct- 5, 1965 L. G. PILGRIM ETAL 3,210,489

MULTI-PHASE SWITCH ARRANGEMENT MOUNTED ON A SINGLE POLE Filed Jan. 24, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent 3,210,439 MULTI-PHASE SWITCH ARRANGEMENT MUNTED N A SINGLE POLE Lawrence G. Pilgrim, Youngwood, and Donald J. Harnroclr, Greensburg, Pa., assignors to I-T-E Circuit Breaker Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Jan. 24, 1963, Ser. No. 253,568 4 eClaims. (Cl. Zilli-48) This invention relates to electrical transmission and distribution systems and more particularly to a novel switching arrangement for such systems which employs a mounting for each phase of a multiphase system which cooperates in such a manner with the other mountings of the multiphase system to provide a mounting assembly which is rugged, reliable and which occupies far less space than switching arrangement of the prior-art.

Y In outdoor electrical equipment employed in the transmission and distribution of electrical power, switching arrangements for such systems iind widespread use for the interruption of transformer magnetizing current, line charging current, or loop currents, for picking up and interrupting line charging current when switching from one feeder line to another, or for changing the feeder connection from a preferred source to an emergency source. In the performance of the above functions it is necessary to provide a switching arrangement which in addition to having the above capabilities must be adaptable for use in applications where extra real estate is unavailable or where real estate is extremely costly.

One switching arrangement which is presently in use is comprised of three wood pole structures wherein a rst structure is provided for receiving the incoming source wires and tying the source wires of each phase to suitable strain insulators. A second structure is employed for mounting a plurality of switches associated with each phase wherein the iirst terminal of each switch is connected to the incoming source wires and the second terminal of each switch is connected to suitable feeder lines. A third structure is provided which has mounted thereupon suitable switches for connecting the source lines to a like number of feeder lines in the same manner as the switches mounted on the second structure. This arrangement is quite costly in both the amount of real estate involved and in the amount of equipment necessary to make up the completed two-way switching arrangement.

The instant invention provides a two-way switching arrangement for receiving source lines and connecting them to either one or both feeder lines connected thereto while enabling the entire switching arrangement to be mounted upon a single wood pole. In addition thereto, the switching assembly for each pbase of the multiphase system is mounted upon the pole in a manner which facilitates lguying the wood pole to resist forces created by line strain pulls.

The instant invention is comprised of a single mounting pole having a plurality of switch assemblies positioned in vertical alignment along the length of the pole. The number of switch assemblies employed in the vertical array depends only upon the number of phases in the electrical distribution system, usually a B-phase system.

The switch assembly for each phase is comprised of a substantially triangular shaped base member mounted 3,210,489 Patented Oct. 5, 1965 vertically, having first and second switch devices mounted thereto so that the plane of motion of the blade member of each switch assembly is also in the vertical plane. A suitable strain insulator is mounted upon and centrally located within the switch assembly base member so that it projects in a horizontal direction. The incoming line is coupled from the strain insulator to a terminal which is common to one end of said first and second switch assemblies. This common terminal is mounted upon a suitable insulator to electrically insu-late it from the base member of the switch assembly. The opposite ends of the switch assemblies are mounted to the base assembly in a like manner by means of second and third insulator members. Both the strain insulator and the switch mounting insulators are all oriented in the horizontal plane. Each of the base members of the switch assemblies are mounted so that they lie in a vertical plane which results in a substantial reduction in the cantilever forces exerted upon the wood pole. This permits easier installation of guy wires to resist the line strain pulls.

It is therefore one object of this invention to provide a switching arrangement for outdoor electrical distribution and transmission systems which is so adapted as to permit the mounting of the switch assembly for all phases `upon a single wood pole.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel switching arrangement for outdoor electrical systems having a novel switch assembly base member for each phase 'of the switching system which is oriented to the mounting wood pole so as to substantially reduce cantilever forces exerted upon the pole.

Another object of this invention is to provide a switching arrangement for multiphase outdoor electrical systems wherein the strain insulator for the switch assembly of each phase is mounted in a central location with respect to the switch assembly base member which decreases the necessary phase spacing required for the over-all switch assembly.

Still another object of the instant invention is to provide a switching arrangement having a novel design which employs normal gravitational forces in such a manner that -gravity holds the switching assembly blade means in their intended positions.

These and other objects will became apparent when reading the accompanying description and drawings in which:

FIGURE la shows a top plan view of a prior art twoway switching arrangement.

FIGURE 1b is an elevational view of the two-way switching arrangement of FIGURE la.

FIGURE 2a is an elevational view of the two-way switching arrangement of the instant invention.

FIGURE 2b is a side View of FIGURE 2a looking in the direction of arrows 2li-2b.

FIGURE 3 shows an elevational view of a portion of FIGURE 2a in greater detail.

Referring now to the drawings; FIGURES la and 1b shows a prior art two-way switching arrangement which is comprised of incoming source lines 101a-101c wherein each line is provided for one-phase of a threephase system, for example. The source lines lilla-101C may be connected to any suitable source such as the secondary windings of a step-up transformer, a step-down transformer, and so forth, employed in the electrical system. As another example, lines 10111-101c may be connected to the three phases of a load and thereby act as feeder lines, in a manner to be more fully described. The incoming lines 10111-1011: terminate in strain insulators 10211-1021: at structure 103 which is provided for deadending the lines and which is also necessary for this arrangement. Strain insulators 10211-102c are mounted on a suitable structure 103, which is mounted to a wood pole member 104. Lines 10111-1011' are tapped `at points 11511-1151', respectively, so as to be connected to lines 10511-1050. The left-hand end of lines 10511-1050 are connected to the right-hand terminals of switches 10611-1060 which are mounted upon a suitable platform 107 positioned atop wood mounting pole 110. Each switch 10611- 106e is capable of assuming either a fully closed or fully open position so as to electrically connect or disconnect, respectively, lines 10511-1050 to lines 10911-1090, respectively. Lines 10911--1091` may be feeder lines connected to any suitable load means or as previously mentioned, may be connected to the three-phase leads of a suitable source which may be employed to feed electrical energy to ylines 10111-1011', which in this lsituation would be acting as feeder lines.

The switches 11311-113c mounted upon wood pole 111 are electrically connected with lines 10511-105c and 11411- 1141-, respectively, in the same manner as are switches 10611-1060 and switches 11311-1130 oper-ate in a like manner.

The operation of the switching arrangement 100 may be such that, assuming lines 10111-101c are connected to the three-phase lines of a suitable energy source with the switches 10611-1061` and 11311113c 'being in their closed position, energy will be fed to the load means (not shown) connected to the feeder lines 10911-1090, respectively, and 11411-114c, respectively. Thus, the single source may be employed to feed two independent loads. As a second arrangement, the switch `assemblies 10611-1061: and 11311- 113c may operate in an alternative fashion such that when lines 109 and 114 are feeder lines, one bank of switches, such as, for example, the bank 10611-1060 may be opened in order to interrupt line `charging current and in the reverse when switching back, switches 10611-1061: are closed to pick up line charging current and feeder switches 11311- l13c are then opened to interrupt charging current. Lines 10911-1091,` and 11411-1141` may be connected to suitable energy sources which are employed to supply one feeder line wherein lines 10111101c act as the feeder lines. With such an arrangement switches 11311-1131` would :be in an open state while switches 10611-1060 are in the closed position so that the feeder lines 10111-1011' `are connected to the source lines 10911-109c, respectively. In switching from one source to another, switches 10611-1061` may rst be open so that switches 11311-113c may be closed in order to connect the source lines 11411-114c to the feeder lines 10111-1011', respectively.

As can be seen, the above arrangement requires at least three wood poles and alarge amount of supporting structures for the switch assemblies and strain insulators and further requires a substantial amount of real estate upon which to construct the two-way switching arrangement.

FIGURES 211 and 2b and 3 show the switching arrangement 200 designed in accordance with the principles of the instant invention, which arrangement 200 is comprised of a single wood pole 250 upon which are mounted the twoway switching .assemblies M-201C wherein each switching assembly 201 is provided for connection to one phase of a three-phase system. While the embodiment of FIG- URES 211 and 2b shows an arrangement for a three-phase system, it should be understood that the instant invention operates equally as well for greater or lesser phases and the embodiment described herein should be considered as merely exemplary. As each of the two-way switching assemblies 20M-2011` Vare substantially identical to one another, only one of these switching assemblies, namely, 30111, will be described in detail, it being understood that the design and operation of the others are substantially the same. i

The switching assembly 20111 is comprised of a triangular shaped base member 20211 which is suitably secured to a vertically aligned member 20311 which in turn is fastened to pole 250 at its upper and lower ends by fastening members 20411 and 20511, respectively. It can be seen from FIGURES 211 `and 2b that the base member 20211 is -oriented so that the plane of base member 20211 is vertically oriented. A fastening flange 27511 is secured to and intermediate the end-s of vertically yaligned member 20311 and is provided for the purpose of mounting a str-ain insulator 20611 thereto. The incoming conductor 22011 for phase A of the three-phase system is connected to a Y- shaped str-ain clamp member 22111 which has one arm terminating in an eyelet 27611 in strain insulator 20611. The other arm of Y-shaped member 22111 is connected by means of conductor 22211 to a terminal 22411 which is electrically connected to a first end of both switching assemblies 21011 and 20111 for a purpose to be more fully described.

Base member 20211 has insulators 20711, 20811 and 20911, each being positioned at the vertices of the triangular base member. A switch assembly 21011 is mounted upon the insulators 20711 and 20911 and a second switch assembly 20111 is mounted upon the insulators 20811 and 20911. The switch assembly 21011 is comprised of a movable blade assembly 21211 which pivots about a point 27811 which is concentric with insulator member 20711. Blade 21211 is shown in the fully closed position and upon operation thereof for interrupting current purposes blade 21211 moves in the direction shown by arrow 27911 towards the position occupied by the blade assembly 21211 of the switch assembly 20111. During the closing operation the reverse is true. Namely, the blade assembly, such as the blade assembly 21211', which is in the open position, is moved in the direction shown by arrow 28111 in order to close interrupter switch 20111. It should be understood that both the switch assemblies 21011 and 20111 operate substantially in the identical manner. Blade assembly 21211 cooperates with a jaw assembly 21311 which pivots about a pivot point 28211. The blade assembly 21011 is provided with an actuating lever arm 21111 which is moved.

by the actuating means which will subsequently be described in greater detail so as to move blade assembly out of engagement with the jaw assembly 21311. Since the blade assemblies 21011 and 20111 lend no novelty to the instant invention, it will not be described in great detail. However, these side opening disconnect switches may be of the type set forth in U.S. Patent 2,688,667 entitled Side Opening Shuntless Disconnect Switch, issued September 7, 1954 to A. Foti and assigned to the assignee of the instant invention. The description set forth in this U.S. patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The terminal pad 27111 is electrically connected to the hinged end of blade assembly 21211 and is utilized for connecting the incoming conductor thereto. The hinged end 28211 of movable jaw 21311 is electrically connected to terminal 22411 which is provided with a suitable terminal pad 28711 for connecting an electrical conductor thereto. As can clearly be seen in FIGURE 211 the rotatable end 28211 of pivoting jaw assembly 21311 is likewise electrically connected to electrical terminal 22411 thereby forming a junction between the incoming conductor (not shown) connected to the terminal pad 28711 and the rotatable ends 28211 of the switch assemblies 21011 and 20111. The rotatable end 27811 of blade assembly 21211' is likewise provided with a terminal pad 27111' for connecting a conductor thereto. With the switch assemblies 21011 and 20111 in the positions as shown in FIG- URE 3, it can clearly be seen that an electrical path is established between the terminal pad 28711 which receives an incoming conductor through to the terminal pad 27111 which is likewise suitable for receiving an incoming conductor. In addition thereto with switch assembly 20111 being in the open position no electrical connection is established between terminal pad 287a and 271a.

The interrupter switches 210a, 210b and 210C of the switch assemblies 201g, 20112 and 201e of the three-phase distribution network are all moved to their open and closed positions simultaneously by the ganged operating structure 240. The interrupter switch operating structure 240 is comprised of an operating handle 242 having a hand-grip 242a at a lirst end thereof and is pivotally connected to a support member 241 at pivot point 244 so as to be movable in an arc which lies in a vertically aligned plane. Support member 241 is secured to the mounting wood pole 250 by fastening members 243. Operating arm 242 is pivotally connected at pivot point 291 to a substantially L-shaped member 245 which is suitably secured to the lower end of a rod 246. It should be noted that the interrupter switches 210a-210c of the switch assemblies 201e-201C are ganged for simultaneous operation with the manual operating structure 240 which is substantially identical to the operating structure 240. However, from examination of FIGURE 2a, it can be seen that the operating structure 240 is in the position whereby the interrupters such as 210a-210c are in their closed position while the position of operating structure 240' has moved interrupter switches 20M-201C to the fully opened position. Thus, L-shaped member 245 is substantially identical to the member 245 of operating assembly 240.

The upper end of rod 246 terminates in an arm 247 which pivotally connects rod 246 to a movable link 249 at a pivot point 248. One end of link 249 is pivotally connected at point 251 to a support member 252 which is secured to pole 250 by fastening members 252a. The opposite end of link 249 is pivotally connected at point 25361 to member 253 which is suitably connected to lower end of rod 254 The upper end of rod 254 terminates in a member 255 which is pivotally connected at point 257a to an arm 256a which is employed for the purpose of actuating the operating lever 21151 of switch assembly 210er, in a manner to be more fully described. This actuating arm 256a is secured to a shaft 272, which is rotatably mounted in base member 202a and which is provided with a second actuating arm 293a which is likewise secured to shaft 27211. The free end of arm 293g is pivotally connected at point 2946: to a rod 259a which terminates in a member 260e which is pivotally connected to the free end of interrupter switch operating arm 21151 at pivot point 2594tz.

The opening operation for interrupter switch 210a and simultaneously therewith for the interrupting switches 210]? and 210C is as follows:

Manual operating handle 242 is rotated counterclockwise about its pivot point 244 in the direction shown by arrow 295 causing L-shaped member 245 to move substantially vertically upward thereby urging members 246 and 247 in the upward direction. This causes movable link 249 to rotate clockwise in the direction shown by arrow 296 thereby urging member 253 to move substantially vertically upward. As can be noted, member 253 is connected further out on movable link 249 than member 247 thereby causing member 253 to move vertically upward an amount which is proportional to the distances of the pivot points 253a and 248 from the pivot point 251. This upward movement of member 253 is imparted to rod 254 and member 255 causing actuating lever 256 to rotate counterclockwise in the direction shown by arrow 297. Since lever arm 25641 is rigidly secured to shaft 27211 this causes shaft 272a to likewise rotate in the counterclockwise direction. This rotation is also imparted to lever arm 293a which movement is imparted to rod 25961 causing it to move substantially in the linear direction shown by arrow 301. This movement is imparted to member 260a which causes operating arm 211e: of the interrupter switch 2106i to move blade assembly 212a of the disconnect switch 21051 in the direction shown by arrow 27911 thus causing the interrupter switch assembly to move to the fully open state such as is occupied. by the disconnect switches 20M-201C shown in FIGURE 2a.

Disconnect switches 210b and 210C are provided with similar connecting linkages and simultaneously move to the open position together with the opening of disconnect switch 210g in a manner substantially identical to that described above. The opening forces are imparted to disconnect switches 210b and 210e by rods 261 and 262 which are linked together in series with rod 254 so that any vertical upward movement of rod 254 is directly imparted to rods 261 and 262.

The closing operation is performed by moving operating handle 242 from the downward position (such as is shown by the handle 242') and rotating handle 242 clockwise in the direction shown by arrow 302. This causes L-shaped member 245 and rods 246, 254, 261 and 262 to move vertically downward. This reverses the movement of the connecting linkages ultimately causing the blade assemblies 21242-2120 to move from their open position (which would be the mirror image of the disconnect switches 20M-201C) clockwise about their pivot points 27841 as shown by arrows 304a304c so that they return to their fully closed position, as is :already shown in FIGURE 2a;

Disconnect switch operating assembly 240 is mounted on the opposite side of wood pole 250 and operates in a manner substantially identical to the operation of assembly 240 so as to move disconnect switches 201a-201c between their opened and closed positions. Each of the disconnect switch operating assemblies 240 and 240 are provided with jumper cables 270 shown in FIGURE 2b in order to suitably place all of the operating elements at ground potential.

Each of the supporting members 241 and 241 are provided with suitable openings 305 and 3105 which cooperate with openings (not shown) provided in handle members 242 and 242', respectively, for the receipt of padlock means so as to enable locking of the handle assemblies in either the open or closed positions of the disconnect switches associated with each operating assembly. It should be understood that two separate openings are provided in the handle assembly 242 so as to cooperate with the opening 305 when the disconnect switches are in the fully closed position as shown by the disconnect switches 210 and provided with the second opening (not shown) to cooperate with the opening 305 for padlocking purposes when the disconnect switches are in the open position, as shown by switches 20M-201C.

As can best be seen in FIGURE 2b, the base members 202a-202c of each switch assembly Zilla-201C are positined relatively close to and in vertical alignment with the mounting pole 250 thereby substantially reducing the cantilever forces imposed upon the mounting pole 250. This permits the use of substantially lighterI weight guy wires which may be needed in brder to provide added supporting strength for the two-way switching arrangement 200. Due to the horizontal orientation of the insulator members 207-209, as well as the strain insulators 206, the clearance required between adjacent phases, namely, the clearance required between phase A and B and between phase C and D is substantially decreased thereby permitting usage of a substantially shorter pole than would be the case if the base members 202a-202c were oriented so that their planes were parallel to the horizontal direction. The diminished clearances of the switch assemblies of each phase and the necessarily shorter pole resulting therefrom further aid in the diminishing of cantilever forces imposed upon the pole and also substantially reduce the cost of the over-all structure. The vertical alignment of the base members 202a-202c also permits an extremely favorable mounting location for the strain insulators 206a-206c- Thus the strain of the source lines is resisted almost entirely by the mounting pole 250 rather than by the base members M-202C. This permits use of a lighter weight base thereby diminishing the total weight imposed upon the mounting pole 250. In addition thereto, with the disconnect switches mounted in the manner as shown in FIGURES 2a and 2b the resistive forces acting against the operating handles 242 and 242 of the operating assemblies 240 and 240', respectively, are signiiicantly reduced thereby reducing the manual exertion necessary to open or close the disconnect switches 210 and 210.

An important feature of this switch arrangement is that gravity holds the switch blades in the intended position. Switch 210 of FIGURE 2a is held closed by the weight of its own blades, as 201 is held open by the weight of its baldes.

Although there has been described in a preferred embodiment of this novel invention, many variations and modifications will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is to be limited, not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A switching arrangement for use in multiphase outdoor electrical distribution systems comprising a mounting pole; a plurality of switching assemblies equal in number to the number of phases of said multiphase system mounted upon said mounting pole; each of said switching assemblies comprising a substantially flat base member and four insulator members positioned perpendicular to said base member, the plane of said base member being substantially parallel to the central axis of said pole; first and second disconnect switches insulatingly mounted to said base member, each of said switches having a rotatable side opening switch blade means; the rotational motion of said :blade means lying in a plane parallel to the plane of said base member each of said blade means being movable to an open and a closed position, wherein normal gravitational forces aids in retaining the blade means in either position to which the blade means is moved.

2. A switching arrangement for use in multiphase outdoor electrical distribution systems comprising a mounting pole; a plurality of switching assemblies equal in number to the number of phases of said multiphase system mounted upon said mounting pole; each of said switching assemblies comprising a substantially flat base member, the plane of said base member being substantially parallel to the central axis of said pole; first and second disconnect switches insulatingly mounted to said base member; an insulator member having a first end secured to said mounting pole substantially at the center of said base member; said insulator member being positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane of said base member to receive an incoming electrical conductor at its second end, second, third and fourth insulator members secured to said base member for insulatingly mounting said disconnect switches to said base member; said second, third and fourth insulators being substantially parallel to said first insulator, the switch assemblies being vertically aligned along said mounting pole; manually operable means movably mounted to said mounting pole for moving said disconnect switches between their open and closed positions; said manually operable means including a linkage system for gauging the disconnnect switches of all phases to said manually operable means causing said disconnect switches to become simultaneously operative under control of said manually operable means; each of said switches having a rotatable side opening switch blade means; the rotational motion of said blade means lying in a plane parallel to the plane of said base member; each of said blade means being movable to an open and a closed position, wherein normal gravitational forces aids in retaining the blade means in either position to which the blade means is moved.

' 3. A switching arrangement for use in multiphase outdoor electrical distribution systems comprising a mounting pole; a plurality of switching assemblies equal in number to the number of phases of said multiphase system mounted upon said mounting pole; each of said switching assemblies comprising a substantially flat base member, the plane of said base member being substantially parallel to the central axis of said pole; first and second disconnect switches insulatingly mounted to said base member, said base member comprising a triangular shaped frame; first, second and third insualtor members having their first ends secured to said frame `at the corners thereof; fourth insulator means having its first end secured to said mounting pole at substantially the center of said frame; said first, second, third and fourth insulators being substantially parallel to one another, the second end of said fourth insulator being adapted to receive an incoming electric cable; each of said disconnect switches having a first and a second end, the first ends being secured to the second ends of said second insulator; the second ends of each of said disconnect switches being secured to the second ends of said third and fourth insulators, respectively, said first end of each disconnect switch being electrically connected to the incoming electric cable, manual operating means for simultaneously operating the disconnect switches of each of said switch assemblies; said manual operating means comprising a rotatable operating handle and a plurality of connected links substantially in vertical alignment having a first end pivotally connected to said operating handle; each of said disconnect switches having a rotatable actuating arm; each of said actuating arms being pivotally connected to said connected links at spaced intervals along the vertical array; said connected links having means to experience substantially linear movement under control of the rotary movement of said manual operating handle each of said switches having a rotatable side opening switch blade means; the rotational motion of said blade means lying in a plane parallel to the plane of said base member; each of said blade means being movable to an open and a closed position, wherein normal gravitational forces aids in retaining the blade means in either position to which the blade means is moved.

4. A switching arrangement for use in multiphase outdoor electrical distribution systems comprising a mounting pole; a plurality of switching assemblies equal in number to the number of phases of said multiphase system mounted upon said mounting pole; each of said switching assemblies comprising a substantially flat base member, the plane of said lbase member being substantially parallel to the central axis of said pole; first and second disconnect switches insulatingly mounted to said base member, said base member comprising a triangular shaped frame; first, second and third insulator members having their first ends secured to said frame at the corners thereof; fourth insulator means having its first end secured to said mounting pole at substantially the center of said frame; said first, second, third and fourth insulators being substantially parallel to one another, the second end of said fourth insulator being adapted to receive an incoming electric cable; each of said disconnect switches having a first and a second end, the first ends being secured to the second end of said first insulator; the second ends of each of said disconnect switches being secured to the second ends of said third and fourth insulators, respectively; said first end of each disconnect switch being electrically connected to the incoming electric cable, manual operating means for simultaneously operating the disconnect switches of each of said switch assemblies; said manual `operating means comprising a rotatable operating handle and a plurality of connected links substantially in vertical alignment having a first end pivotally connected to said operating handle; each of said disconnect switches having a rotatable actuating arm; each of said actuating arms being pivotally connected to said connected links at 9 10 spaced intervals along the vertical array; said connected normal gravitational forces aids in retaining the blade links having means to experience substantially linear movemeans in either poistion to which the blade means is ment under control of the rotary movement of said manmoved. ual operating handle, said actuating arms having means References Cited bythe Examiner to experience rotational movement under control of the 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS linear movement of said connected links to operate said Re 19 S64 2/36 Desmond 200 48 disconnect switches, each of said switches having a ro 2,470,576 5/49 Pollock et al. 174-40 X tatable side opening switch blade means; the rotational motion of said blade means lying in a plane par-alle] to the plane of said base member; each of said blade means 10 BERNARD A' GILHEANY Prlmary Examiner being movable to an open and a closed position, wherein ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Examiner. 

1. A SWITCHING ARRANGEMENT FOR USE IN MULTIPHASE OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS COMPRISING A MOUNTING POLE; A PLURALITY OF SWITCHING ASSEMBLIES EQUAL IN NUMBER TO THE NUMBER OF PHASES OF SAID MULTIPHASE SYSTEM MOUNTED UPON SAID MOUNTING POLE; EACH OF SAID SWITCHING ASSEMBLIES COMPRISING A SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT BASE MEMBER AND FOUR INSULATOR MEMBERS POSITIONED PERPENDICULAR TO SAID BASE MEMBER, THE PLANE OF SAID BASE MEMBER BEING SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO THE CENTRAL AXIS OF SAID POLE; FIRST AND SECOND DISCONNECT SWITCHES INSULATINGLY MOUNTED TO SAID BASE MEMBER, EACH OF SAID SWITCHES HAVING A ROTATABLE SIDE OPENING SWITCH BLADE MEANS; THE ROTATIONAL MOTION OF SAID BLADE MEANS LYING IN A PLANE PARALLEL TO THE PLANE OF SAID BASE MEMBER EACH OF SAID BALDE MEANS BEING MOVABLE TO AN OPEN AND CLOSED POSITION, WHEREIN NORMAL GRAVITATIONAL FORCES AIDS IN RETAINING THE BLADE MEANS IN EITHER POSITION TO WHICH THE BLADE MEANS IS MOVED. 